Erik ten Hag has suggested that Fulham will use their FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester United as motivation to get a result today.
Kick-off is fast approaching for the Red Devils’ final Premier League game of the 2022/2023 campaign, and ending it with three points at Old Trafford will secure a third-placed finish and keep the momentum high ahead of the FA Cup final.
With Champions League football already confirmed for next term, fans have questioned whether the manager will rotate the starting line-up and give fringe players a chance to have a run-out. However, if there’s one thing we’ve learnt from Ten Hag this season, it’s that he’s not one for rotation.
The Dutchman will be adamant about picking up all three points with a dominant performance over Marco Silva’s side, who have enjoyed a scintillating return campaign in the top flight.
A match that stands out in fans’ memory in recent months is the chaos-filled quarter-final cup tie against Fulham, with Aleksandar Mitrovic, Willian and Silva all being brandished red cards.
Mitrovic was then given an eight-game ban for his antics, which included pushing referee Chris Kavanagh.
Ten Hag on Fulham’s motivation
Ten Hag was quizzed on whether he thought the London club would use the defeat as fuel for today’s trip to M16. He responded (via the Man United website): “I think absolutely, but it’s always the case. Every team who is facing Man United is extra motivated. We see it always when we see the physical outputs. Every team gives their best, gives 100 per cent. What they can’t do against other opponents, they can’t [can] do against Manchester United. We always have to bring more than the opponent. We are looking forward to Sunday. It’s the last game in the league, in front of our home fans, and we have to win.”
